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Epidemiology With Part 2 (Complete) 2
Epidemiology With Part 2 (Complete) 2
Epidemiology
Classically speaking
Epi = upon (among)
Demos = people
Ology = science
Epidemiology = the science which deals with what
falls upon people…..
A Modern Definition
“The study of the distribution and
determinants of health-related states in specified
populations, and the application of this study to
control health problems."
(Last J)
consequences
and
to promote health and well-being of society as a whole.
Purposes of Epidemiology
1. To investigate nature / extent of health-related
phenomena in the community / identify priorities
2. To study natural history and prognosis of health-
related problems
3. To identify causes and risk factors
4. To recommend / assist in application of / evaluate
best interventions (preventive and therapeutic
measures)
5. To provide foundation for public policy
Component:
Analytic epidemiology
Host
Agent
Environment
Host Factors
Behaviors
Genetic predisposition
Immunologic factors
Biological
Physical
Chemical
External conditions
.
The methods he employs can be classified as:
1. Observational studies
a. Descriptive studies
b. Analytical studies
– Case control studies
– Cohort studies
2. Experimental/interventional studies
– Randomized control studies
– Field trials
– Community trials
Descriptive observations pertain to the
“who, what, where and when of health-
related state occurrence”. However,
analytical observations deal more with the
‘how’ of a health-related event occur.
Periodic fluctuations;
Seasonal –measles (early spring)
cyclic- ,, in pre-vaccinated era (peak 2-3 yr)
Long-term or secular trends; diabetes, CVD
B. Place Distribution
International variations:
2. Matching
3. Measurement of exposure
CASE CONTROLS
EXPOSED A B
UNEXPOSED C D
assumptions:
● The disease being investigated is relatively rare
● The cases must be representative of those with the disease
● The controls must be representative of those without the
disease.
Odds ratio a.d/b.c
33X27/55X2 = 8.1
People who smoke less than 5 cigarettes per